Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buford, GA (2024 Update)
- Buford Solar Installation Cost: $17,765
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buford
We go over average solar pricing in Buford.
In Buford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Buford, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,765, or $25,404 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Buford homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Buford homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,172 |
| 3 years | $-12,985 |
| 5 years | $-9,799 |
| 7 years | $-6,612 |
| 9 years | $-3,426 |
| 11 years | $-239 |
| 13 years | $2,947 |
| 15 years | $6,134 |
| 17 years | $9,320 |
| 19 years | $12,507 |
| 21 years | $15,693 |
| 23 years | $18,880 |
| 25 years | $22,066 |
Top Solar Installers in Buford
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Buford, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buford
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Buford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Buford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,536 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,134 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,941 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,958 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,184 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,619 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,264 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,118 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buford, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $962.42 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.